Go Time

As I pulled in, Doug was already suiting up; so I knew there would be waves. Then 'Surf-707' Alec rolled along side me in his Tundra with personalized plates. Hey you gotta’ represent that Sonoma County area code…even though the three of us are all interlopers at this undisclosed Marin break.

The early morning sky was a thing of beauty and the lack of wind made for clean and glassy waves. Pacific Waverider was way off in it’s prediction of 1’-2’ and poor. Glad I checked Wetsand and Stormsurf too, as well as the coastal weather report and forecast. Plus I’d finished the week’s topo map for work. Basically it was “go time” (but more about that concept later).

Since the waves were quite nice, there was already a small crowd. Catching waves would require strategy and etiquette. The group was experienced but congenial….for the most part. Doug would later comment that some of the take offs were overhead and I surprised myself on several. Left to my own devices, I sometimes will forego a wave, as I don’t have fun dropping into large close outs. When you’re in a lineup though, and someone says it’s “go time”; you go. If not, credibility is lost as is your spot in the rotation. Happily today’s green light meant dropping into waves that held their shape nicely, making for some sweet, peeling lefts and rights. A confidence building session and a nice buzz.

Okay, okay...so I superimposed Pipeline into Mary's photo of Alec and I. One's inner experience is all relative.

Dune Flowers

Flower Power

I made these today on Autocad & then exported them into Photoshop for effect. Dude, Woodstock was like 40 years ago. FAR OUT!!

Meet The Death Panel

As we sat by our mt. bikes beneath the redwoods, we rested from the rigorous hill climb we’d just done. Joel, Charlotte & I were chatting about health care reform and the crazy notion of bureaucrats creating death panels to 86 the elderly and infirm.

Just then a young, very fit biker babe with full face helmet charged past us. “Do you need any help?”asked this Darth Vaderess. “Yes please. We are old! Save us from the death panel!” we clamored.

As more spandex clad bike beauties on colorful bikes whisked by, I did feel a bit stiff.....but perhaps not from old age.

Photo Credit: I ripped this off from Google Images....so, no worries, Rhio. I may already have enough to explain, huh? It's not like I was "hiking the Appalachain Trail".

My Newest Slide Show/Dreamscape!!!

AND CHECK OUT ALL MY SHOWS!!!!: Matt's YouTubes

Some Bun Fun

Yesterday we went to Fort Mason and then Fisherman's Wharf. Today I ventured into Photoshop.

Bon Appetit

The City of Santa Rosa has been conducting smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system. Smoke is pumped into open manholes and ideally should come pouring out of bathroom roof vent pipes without entering the home. If smoke does enter; then you are basically breathing sewer gas!

Yesterday my friend Lance joined me for lunch. Being a refined fellow who always lauds my culinary offerings, I knew he would enjoy the special lunch I was planning. He arrived quite punctually, and when I answered the doorbell, there he stood; and behind him, a city utility worker clad in bright orange. Should I set another plate?

So my appetizing repast of Asian chicken and cabbage salad was orchestrated with great flare to appeal to Lance’s discerning pallet and gourmet taste. How aesthetically pleasing and dramatic the presentation! Meanwhile smoke came pouring from all the neighboring rooftops! Mmmm, what is that delicate aroma?

Fish 'N' Chips

CUTE KID

Somebody's Got To Do It!

“Thanks Matt. The phone isn’t ringing, again. Go figure. Nothing on the schedule this week. I will keep you posted when something comes up.” This was the email from the boss.

“Hmmm, still time to make it to the Bolinas office for second shift”, I thought."Gotta make that board meeting."

Props to Garrett who was ready earlier than ever. We made it to Bo by 11am! Though my dawn patrol buddies had likely come and gone, we did encounter Loren returning from his surf session. He told us to get out there for some long, peeling lefts in the Channel. Seeing wall to wall surf campers inhabiting the Patch, we decided that the Channel it was. We punched in for second shift and when to work.

Indeed the rides were quite long. G commented that he got “the longest ride of his life”. Does that imply that the paddle back out was his longest paddle? It was all about paddling as we encountered much current in reaching the line up. Thinking we were there we would find ourselves caught inside. That first hour yielded some exciting rides, but also expended our energy.

Then we noticed a throng of brightly colored blue and red boards glinting in the sun as they emerged from the Patch. We took our cue and headed industriously over there for third shift. During the next two hours, we met our quota. Some clean sets came through and we did our job to ride them.

Claude paddled out and I shouted “Surf Camp only”. He assured me that he was enrolled. He did have on lots of sun screen and said they fed him a hearty lunch. I expressed concern that he might get a cramp if he got in the water too soon. In fact the real surf campers actually did relinquish the waves for quite a while.

When we could paddle no longer, we decided it was quittin’ time. Garrett has been feeling the frustration and sting of job hunting lately; so I told him that this was now his job. In fact he’s been showing enthusiasm in the work place. He said that he even hopes to get Employee of the Month! Atta boy. Good job!

Wakame Salad

The Patch was serving up more sweet waves yesterday along with a hearty side dish of seaweed salad. Dropping into these waves presented an added challenge of being able to slice through the slimy speed bumps of kelp. Sometimes tentacles of the stuff would even ensnare you while paddling. Add to the mix about a dozen surf campers, and it was kind of a chirashi bowl out there. Still, some long shapely waves kept Garrett and I coming back to the salad bar for yet another helping.